Black Sea Currents: Migration and cosmopolitan dynamics in two post-Imperial cities, Odessa and Istanbul

These issues will be explored along the following main lines of inquiry:
Diasporic subjectivities. We will study the practices, emotions and imaginaries of those who consider themselves an 'ethnic/religious minority' or are aware of their own transient present and uncertain future belonging. The dual processes of (a) in-migration from rural area and (b) out-migration of ethnically distinct groups to distant national destinations is characteristic of many cities in the contemporary world and therefore their consequences are important.
History, materiality and the dynamics of cosmopolitanism. The previous communities have left many traces behind, such as houses in specific styles, places of worship and cemeteries. What do the contemporary Inhabitants of these two cities make of the marks left behind, and the absences, of those who have migrated out? We explore the idea of a 'vertical' cosmopolitanism, having to do with layered historical traces, memory and affectivity in the city.
Post-Cold War migration. Contemporary two way migration across the Black Sea will be related to historical Russian Imaginaries of 'Stamboul' (Istanbul) and Cold War and present-day images held by Turkish citizens of Russia/Ukraine.
People on the move. We will investigate not only group migration but also more individual, temporary and fluctuating mobility (traders, sailors, artists, prostitutes, labourers) and its mutual cultural influences